"It was very thoughtless of me, mother," resumed Mattie, ("you know I am only a thoughtless girl, after all)--but the truth is I am already engaged for the first dance." "Engaged, my daughter, engaged ?" Mrs.Chapman rejoined.

"Pray, who to?
It was very strange of you!" Here the young man returned to Mattie's side.
"Allow me to introduce you to my mother, Mr.Romer," said Mattie.

"Mr.
Romer, Mr.Gusher,--a friend of our family." Mrs.Chapman made a courtesy, and the two gentlemen bowed formally and coldly.
"If I mistake not," said Mr.Romer, who was a young man of polished manners, slender of form, with a frank, open countenance, and evidently a gentleman, "we have met before." He kept his eyes fixed on Gusher, as if resolved to read his thoughts in the changes that were going on in his countenance.
"Pardon, pardon, monsieur," returned Mr.Gusher, affecting an air of self-confidence supported by innocence.

"I ne-var re-mem-bar as we has meets before.

You shall zee I shall make you my respects.